To ensure the safety of tailings dams, mining companies are increasingly adopting comprehensive frameworks, notably guided by the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) (Global Tailings Review, 2020). This standard mandates a holistic lifecycle approach, emphasizing risk minimization from initial site selection and robust design through to permanent closure and careful post-closure care.
Key GISTM principles require companies to develop an integrated knowledge base (social, environmental, technical), use it to inform all decisions, and establish rigorous design criteria based on consequence classification, often demanding designs that can withstand extreme events or be readily upgraded (Global Tailings Review, 2020). Multi-criteria alternatives analysis for new facilities also aims to select options that inherently reduce risk.
Continuous safety assurance relies on multi-layered monitoring and vigilant surveillance. This involves frequent site inspections, formal safety reviews by an empowered Engineer of Record (EOR) responsible for confirming design intent and ongoing performance, and Periodic Independent Dam Safety Reviews, with Independent Tailings Review Boards (ITRBs) overseeing high-consequence facilities (Anglo American, 2024).
Advanced technologies, including remote sensing (e.g., InSAR, LiDAR), real-time instrumental monitoring using piezometers and seismic sensors, and sophisticated data analytics, are progressively integrated to detect subtle physical changes and provide vital early warnings of potential instability (ABL Group, 2022).
Strong corporate governance underpins these safety measures, with clear accountabilities from the board level to an Accountable Executive and site-specific Responsible Tailings Facility Engineer, reinforcing the EOR’s critical role (Global Tailings Review, 2020).
Companies cultivate a proactive safety culture that promotes learning, communication, and effective whistleblower protection. Comprehensive emergency preparedness and response plans, co-developed with affected communities, coupled with commitments to public disclosure of safety information, support the industry’s overarching goal of achieving zero harm to people and the environment (Global Tailings Review, 2020).
What role does technology play in keeping tailings dams safe? Share your thoughts!
References:
ABL Group. (2022). Tailings Dam Safety and Sustainability. Retrieved from https://abl-group.com/abl/all-media/blog/mining/tailings-dam-safety-and-sustainability/
Anglo American. (2024). Managing tailings safely. Retrieved from https://www.angloamerican.com/esg-policies-and-data/tailings-summary/managing-tailings-safely
Global Tailings Review. (2020). Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management. Retrieved from https://globaltailingsreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/global-industry-standard-on-tailings-management.pdf
