How can you ensure the safety of tailings storage facilities in mining?

1 Regulatory framework

The first step to ensure the safety of TSFs is to comply with the relevant regulatory framework in the jurisdiction where the mining project is located. This may include laws, regulations, permits, licenses, codes, guidelines, and policies that govern the environmental, social, and technical aspects of TSFs. You should also consult with the affected stakeholders, such as communities, authorities, and experts, to understand their expectations and concerns. Additionally, you should follow the international principles and standards that apply to TSFs, such as the Global Tailings Standard, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Tailings Governance Framework, and the World Bank Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Mining.

2 Risk assessment

The second step to ensure the safety of TSFs is to conduct a comprehensive and systematic risk assessment that covers the entire life cycle of the TSF, from planning and design to closure and post-closure. The risk assessment should identify and evaluate the potential hazards and impacts associated with the TSF, such as dam failure, seepage, erosion, slope instability, seismic events, extreme weather, and climate change. You should also consider the exposure and vulnerability of the receptors, such as people, wildlife, vegetation, water, soil, and air. The risk assessment should provide the basis for selecting the appropriate site, design, construction method, operation mode, monitoring system, and emergency response plan for the TSF.

3 Design and construction

The third step to ensure the safety of TSFs is to adopt a robust and resilient design and construction that minimizes the risk of failure and leakage. The design and construction should follow the best available technology and practice that suits the specific characteristics of the tailings, the site, and the climate. You should also apply the concept of safety by design, which means that the TSF should be able to withstand the most severe conditions and scenarios without compromising its integrity and performance. Moreover, you should ensure that the TSF has adequate factors of safety, quality control, and quality assurance throughout the design and construction stages.

4 Operation and maintenance

The fourth step to ensure the safety of TSFs is to implement a sound and sustainable operation and maintenance that optimizes the efficiency and reliability of the TSF. The operation and maintenance should follow the operational manual and procedures that define the roles and responsibilities, the operational limits and criteria, the inspection and maintenance schedules, and the reporting and record-keeping requirements. You should also monitor and measure the key parameters and indicators of the TSF, such as water level, pore pressure, tailings density, seepage rate, and dam stability. Furthermore, you should conduct regular audits and reviews to evaluate the performance and compliance of the TSF and identify any gaps or issues that need improvement or correction.

5 Closure and post-closure

The fifth step to ensure the safety of TSFs is to plan and execute a responsible and effective closure and post-closure that restores the site to a stable and acceptable condition. The closure and post-closure should follow the closure plan and objectives that specify the desired outcomes, the closure activities, the closure criteria, and the closure costs. You should also consult with the stakeholders and obtain the necessary approvals and agreements for the closure and post-closure. Additionally, you should implement the closure measures, such as dewatering, capping, revegetation, and decommissioning, that reduce the environmental and social impacts and liabilities of the TSF. Lastly, you should monitor and verify the long-term performance and stability of the TSF and ensure the adequate provision of financial and institutional guarantees for the post-closure.

6 Continuous improvement

The sixth and final step to ensure the safety of TSFs is to pursue a continuous improvement that enhances the knowledge and practice of TSF management. You should seek and apply the latest scientific and technological innovations and solutions that can improve the efficiency and safety of TSFs. You should also participate and contribute to the industry and professional networks and platforms that share and disseminate the best practices and lessons learned from TSF management. Moreover, you should engage and collaborate with the stakeholders and regulators to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and trust in TSF management.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?