Relevance
Addresses the indicator, scope, period, asset and control in question.
Evidence and assurance
Evidence strength, honestly measured
The framework tests evidence quality and records confidence - it does not issue a formal assurance opinion. The goal is a conclusion you can trust because you can see what it rests on.
What evidence confidence measures
Evidence confidence describes the strength of the assessment basis - not the quality of the mine. A well-run mine with poorly organised evidence can still carry lower confidence, and improving evidence governance is often the fastest way to lift it.
Evidence quality tests
Eight tests applied to every source
Reliability
Attributable, controlled, competent and free from unexplained alteration or conflict.
Completeness
Covers relevant locations, shifts, contractors, conditions and adverse events.
Currency
Current enough for the assessed period and the control's own cycle.
Ownership
Has a clear, accountable owner and a system of record - not scattered across individuals.
Traceability
Allows the conclusion to be reproduced from the cited source, version and sample.
Corroboration
Tests consistency across records, interviews, observations and performance data.
Sampling
Documents the population, objective, method, period and limitations of any sample.
Three layers of proof
Design, implementation and effectiveness
A control is only as good as the weakest of these three layers. Documents prove design; the field proves the rest.
Design evidence
The control exists and is documented: procedures, standards, plans and defined accountabilities.
Implementation evidence
The control is actually in use across areas, shifts and contractors - records, logs and observations confirm it operates.
Effectiveness evidence
The control works: it delivers the intended outcome, is verified in the field and improves when tested against performance.
Confidence scale
Four levels of assessment-basis strength
Multiple consistent, current sources plus observation or credible corroboration.
Adequate current evidence with limited sampling, corroboration or coverage gaps.
Mainly assertion, old or incomplete evidence, contradiction or sample limits.
No usable evidence for the applicable question.
Not a formal assurance opinion
This work tests and records evidence quality and confidence. It is not an audit sign-off, a public-report assurance opinion or a statutory compliance conclusion. Where formal assurance is required, it must be obtained separately from an appropriately qualified provider.