November 2025 Brings Essential New Standards for Mining and Minerals

Mining and minerals professionals received a significant update with the publication of two key international standards in November 2025. Covering the fundamental language of mine haulage and cutting-edge methodologies for coal flotation testing, these new standards are poised to boost clarity, efficiency, and quality across the sector. This comprehensive review looks at what’s new, who’s affected, and how organizations can stay ahead by adopting the latest specifications.

Overview / Introduction

The mining and minerals industry is foundational to modern economies, providing raw materials essential for energy, construction, technology, and manufacturing. High operational complexity—especially across global supply chains—demands a shared, consistent set of standards to ensure safety, reliability, and interoperability.

Standards for terminology, testing, and process controls are crucial in mining and minerals. They reduce ambiguity, facilitate clear communication, and ensure that processes align with international best practices. The November 2025 update introduces:

• A comprehensive common vocabulary for mine haulage operations (ISO 22932-10:2025)
• Advanced laboratory testing procedures for assessing coal flotation performance (ISO 8858-3:2025)

This article outlines the scope, requirements, and implementation guidance for both new standards, providing actionable insights for engineers, managers, researchers, and quality professionals in mining and minerals.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 22932-10:2025 – Mining – Vocabulary – Part 10: Haulage

Mining – Vocabulary – Part 10: Haulage

The latest installment in ISO’s mining vocabulary series, ISO 22932-10:2025, standardizes the terms and definitions fundamental to haulage—the movement of ore, waste, equipment, and personnel within mines. This vocabulary covers a multitude of scenarios—from underground railways and conveyor belts to loading stations, transfer points, and the specialized devices that keep operations moving safely and efficiently.

Scope & Coverage

• Defines terms for core haulage concepts: loading, haulage, dumping/unloading/discharging.
• Clarifies terminology on underground and surface transport of materials and workers.
• Unifies the language for haulage equipment, rail systems, conveyor types, safety devices, and operational roles.

Key Requirements

• Use of standardized terms in operational documentation, technical drawings, training materials, contracts, and compliance reports.
• Alignment with related ISO and IEC terminology databases for referencing and procurement.
• Consistent application of defined vocabulary across multinational operations for improved interoperability.

Who Should Comply

• Mining operators
• Equipment manufacturers and suppliers
• Engineering consultancies
• Regulatory agencies
• Training and safety professionals

Implementation Implications

By adopting this vocabulary, organizations can improve coordination between teams, reduce miscommunication, streamline procurement, and ensure alignment with legal and contractual obligations. Accurate use of haulage terminology also enhances training outcomes and underpins safety-critical communications in high-risk environments.

Notable Advances

As the inaugural edition for haulage vocabulary, ISO 22932-10 closes previous gaps in international terminology. It helps eliminate confusion from regional synonyms and outdated terms, driving a new level of clarity in mine planning, engineering, and operations.

Key highlights:

• Unifies the terminology for haulage processes and equipment across mining operations
• Addresses specialized terms for underground and surface haulage scenarios
• Enhances safety, procurement accuracy, and cross-border operational efficiency

Access the full standard: View ISO 22932-10:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 8858-3:2025 – Coal – Froth Flotation Testing – Part 3: Release Evaluation

Coal – Froth flotation testing – Part 3: Release evaluation

The updated ISO 8858-3:2025 introduces state-of-the-art laboratory procedures for evaluating the release efficiency of coal through froth flotation—a critical beneficiation process that separates valuable coal from mineral impurities. This standard supersedes the 2004 edition with technical revisions to better reflect modern laboratory practices and references.

Scope & Coverage

• Laboratory method for determining the release performance of hard coal with particle sizes less than 0.5 mm.
• Applicable to samples in powder form or as slurry.
• Test designed to control and quantify the recovery of froth, helping to assess both the responsiveness and efficiency of different coal samples.

Key Requirements

• Detailed procedures for test sample preparation, flotation conditions (temperature, impeller speed, air flow, pulp level), and reagent selection.
• Strict guidelines for the presentation of results and structuring of test reports, ensuring comparability.
• Technical referencing to related international sampling and vocabulary standards.

Who Should Comply

• Coal mining and preparation plants
• Laboratory testing facilities
• Quality assurance and process optimization teams
• Equipment manufacturers
• Researchers in coal beneficiation

Practical Implications

Accurate flotation testing supports higher yield and purity in coal production, enabling mines and processors to meet market specifications and environmental regulations. The standard underpins process optimization, product certification, and commercial quality control.

What’s New in This Edition

• Updated title aligning with current terminology
• Inclusion of latest referenced standards (ISO 13909-2, ISO 13909-4, ISO 20904)
• Enhancements to test method reproducibility and reporting

Key highlights:

• Delivers reproducible, internationally accepted methods for release evaluation
• Supports coal quality certification and process optimization
• Updated to align with the latest coal sampling and preparation best practices

Access the full standard: View ISO 8858-3:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Adopting the latest standards has never been more vital for mining and minerals organizations. The November 2025 updates are especially significant for:

• Harmonizing operational practices: Standardized haulage vocabulary and flotation testing enable seamless collaboration between multinational sites, suppliers, and regulators.
• Compliance and risk management: Using current terminology and testing methods can help demonstrate regulatory compliance and avoid costly misinterpretation or rework.
• Operational optimization: Uniform terminology in documentation, communication, and automation boosts productivity. Laboratory-validated testing for coal flotation aids in efficient resource use and waste minimization.

Compliance Considerations

• Timelines: Implement updated standards as soon as possible—ideally before regulatory mandates or contractual deadlines take effect.
• Documentation: Revise operational manuals, technical datasheets, procurement specifications, and training materials to reflect the new vocabulary and test methods.
• Training: Educate employees on new terms and laboratory practices to ensure full adoption.

Risks of Non-Compliance

• Regulatory penalties or nonconformance
• Miscommunication in safety-critical operations
• Inaccurate product quality assessments
• Procurement errors and supply chain disruptions

Benefits of Early Adoption

• Improved regulatory standing
• Better internal communication and workflow
• Superior quality assurance and increased client trust
• Competitive advantage in global markets

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements

• Adherence to strict definitions, procedures, and specifications is mandatory
• Use of ISO and IEC-maintained databases for terminology and test references strengthens process reliability
• Both standards reference and interlink with other ISO benchmarks to promote systemic quality management

Implementation Best Practices

1. Gap Analysis: Assess current practices and terminology against new standards to identify update needs
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Involve all affected departments—operations, quality, procurement, lab, and training
3. Systematic Documentation Update: Update electronic and physical resources, including ERP and LIMS systems
4. Supplier & Client Communication: Inform partners and clients about updates to terminology and testing protocols
5. Continuous Training: Develop concise guides and regular refresher courses for all relevant personnel

Testing & Certification Considerations

• For laboratory testing (ISO 8858-3), ensure equipment calibration, staff competency, and proper record-keeping
• For terminology (ISO 22932-10), verify that new terms are adopted in all communications, including signage, reports, and software interfaces
• Stay informed about certification requirements and official recognition in key trading regions

Conclusion / Next Steps

The November 2025 publication of ISO 22932-10:2025 and ISO 8858-3:2025 marks a significant leap forward for professionals in mining and minerals. By standardizing essential haulage terminology and enhancing coal flotation testing protocols, these standards underpin safer, more efficient, and higher quality mining operations.

Key Takeaways:

• Unified haulage vocabulary fosters clarity and safety
• Advanced flotation testing drives efficiency, compliance, and product quality
• Timely adoption can deliver competitive, operational, and compliance advantages

Recommendations:

• Review your current technical vocabulary, lab testing protocols, and quality documentation
• Update procurement and training materials with new terms and procedures
• Engage with standards resources, like iTeh Standards, for authoritative up-to-date documents
• Stay proactive—integrate these standards into your quality and compliance systems to maintain best-in-class operations

Staying current with international standards is not just about compliance—it’s about building operational excellence and ensuring organizational success in an evolving mining and minerals landscape. Access the full standards, consult with your technical teams, and position your operations to lead in safety, efficiency, and global competitiveness.