5 KPIs for Tailings Management: Sustainable Mining
Fernando Damasio
Executive Director, consulting for the mining industry | Global Tailings Management Specialist | Certified Verifier of TSM? & The Copper Mark?
The mining sector, integral to the global economy, continues to confront the challenge of managing mine waste, particularly tailings. The industry is adopting more rigorous approaches to improve its sustainability and safety standards. The Tailings Management Protocol, part of the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative by the Mining Association of Canada (MAC), represents a step forward in enhancing mining practices.
Adopting the Tailings Management Protocol: A Framework for Improvement
The Tailings Management Protocol offers a structured framework aimed at reducing environmental and safety risks associated with tailings. It emphasizes the integration of sustainable practices into the operations of mining companies, applicable to both active and inactive tailings facilities, reflecting a commitment to ongoing environmental care and community engagement.
Indicator 1: Tailings Management Policy and Commitment?
This indicator ensures that a company has a formal policy or commitment to tailings management, which is endorsed by senior management and integrated throughout the organization. Compliance is verified through internal and external audits, confirming the policy’s implementation and its understanding across all levels of the company.
Indicator 2: Assigned Accountability and Responsibility
Responsibility for tailings management is assigned to a high-level executive, such as a CEO or Vice President, ensuring it remains a priority within corporate governance. This indicator checks that this accountability is documented and that responsibilities are delegated to competent personnel.
Indicator 3: Tailings Management System and Emergency Preparedness
This focuses on the establishment and maintenance of a tailings management system, alongside robust emergency preparedness plans. Both aspects must adhere to the latest guidelines and are regularly tested to ensure efficacy.
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Indicator 4: Operation, Maintenance, and Surveillance (OMS) Manual
A comprehensive OMS manual must be developed for each tailings facility, tailored to its specific needs and conforming to current best practices. This manual is essential for consistent and effective management practices across facilities.
Indicator 5: Annual Tailings Management Review
Regular reviews of the tailings management practices are required to ensure they remain effective and responsive to new challenges and technologies. These reviews must be documented and reported to an accountable executive officer.
Each indicator is assessed across five performance levels (C, B, A, AA, AAA), with specific criteria outlining the expectations at each level. This structured approach allows for a clear understanding of current performance and areas for improvement.
Toward a Future of Responsible Mining
For industry leaders and experts, the Tailings Management Protocol serves as a framework for embedding sustainable practices into the core operations of mining businesses. It encourages a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
The path to sustainable mining requires dedication to transparency, ongoing learning, and adaptability. As the industry progresses, it is essential to uphold these principles, ensuring that mining contributes positively to both economic and sustainable development.
Next Steps
Download the protocol and learn more about the TSM initiative at Mining Association of Canada's website.
CaaS / Earth Monitoring (EM) and Geomatics / New Business Program Development
10 个月In the Guide 3-2 (https://mining.ca/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2021/06/MAC-Tailings-Guide-Version-3-2-March-2021.pdf) #monitoring is mentioned 9 times. It says there should be monitoring and Surveillance, that "monitoring and Surveillance" are a thing, and that the record of the "thing" should be kept and archived. The "monitoring" should be updated and reported on regularly (3 years is not often enough), and that it - the monitoring and surveillance thing - should continue for the life of the asset through closure -- likely 20, or more years in our experience. It does not say at all what "monitoring/surveillance" is .....or is not. - how "monitoring" is carried out ...hourly, shift, daily, weekly, etc .... ? - who carries it out, what type of data is suitable for a "monitoring" practice -- a glance/view, short note, a measure, a data type or indicator of change, any environmental information ??? - how and what to be "monitored" is surveilled. Surveillance is not defined. - who is responsible for ... - what constitutes active and responsible surveillance - nor what DOES NOT. Monitoring/surveillance provide the ROOT of the status indicators of a safe, or at-risk facility. ....etc ...
CaaS / Earth Monitoring (EM) and Geomatics / New Business Program Development
10 个月FYI -- REF: "TSM ONLINE TRAINING" Link = https://vubiz.com/page-not-found