GISTM / ICMM: The 5 Tailings Review Mechanisms

In the complex world of mining, the management and safety of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) are paramount. Tailings, the by-product of mining processes, require meticulous oversight to prevent environmental harm and ensure the safety of communities and ecosystems.

This article explores five critical review mechanisms detailed in the ICMM Tailings Management Good Practice Guide and in the GISTM Conformance Protocols, elucidating their unique roles, differences, and synergies in fostering a culture of safety and responsibility in tailings management.

1. Independent Review: The External Auditor's Eye

The Independent Review mechanism serves as an essential pillar in the governance framework for tailings management. It provides an external, unbiased evaluation of a TSF's design, operation, and maintenance.

Unlike internal audits or verifications, this process involves independent experts assessing compliance with standards, the adequacy of design criteria, operational practices, risk management, and alignment with corporate sustainability goals.

Its comprehensive nature, from site inspections to documentation review, ensures that potential issues are identified, and recommendations for improvements are made, offering a critical external perspective on the safety and stability of tailings facilities.

2. Dam Safety Reviews (DSRs): Adapting Water Dam Practices

DSRs borrow from the practices developed for water dams, tailored to meet the specific needs of tailings embankments. This mechanism focuses on systematically assessing a facility's safety against potential failure modes, evaluating technical, operational, and governance aspects.

The independence of the review engineer or team plays a vital role in the credibility of the DSR, offering reassurance of a facility's safety status.

However, the methodology must be adapted to address the dynamic nature of tailings facilities and the complexities of their management.

3. Tailings Stewardship Reviews: Comprehensive Operational Oversight

Tailings Stewardship Reviews are designed to provide an in-depth examination of management practices, operational procedures, and governance structures supporting the safe storage of mine tailings.

By focusing on broader aspects of tailings management, these reviews facilitate continuous improvement and risk mitigation.

They encompass governance and accountability, the effectiveness of the Tailings Management System (TMS), operational practices, and emergency preparedness, among others.

4. Reviews of the Tailings Management System (TMS): Ensuring System Effectiveness

The review of the TMS assesses its completeness and effectiveness in achieving safe tailings management. This includes evaluating accountability, policy implementation, information management, and integration with broader site-wide management systems.

These reviews identify deficiencies and opportunities for continuous improvement, ensuring the TMS remains fit for purpose throughout the lifecycle of a tailings facility.

5. Audits or Verifications: The Compliance Check

Audits or verifications are systematic examinations to assess a facility's compliance with established criteria, standards, and regulatory requirements.

They focus on design, construction, operation, maintenance, and surveillance practices, identifying areas of non-compliance or improvement to enhance facility safety and operational efficiency.

This mechanism plays a crucial role in proactive tailings management by highlighting potential risks and ensuring adherence to best practices.

Integrating Review Mechanisms for Tailings Safety

While each review mechanism has its distinct role and focus, their integration forms a robust framework for tailings safety oversight.

From the external perspective of Independent Reviews to the detailed operational focus of Tailings Stewardship Reviews and the compliance assurance of Audits, these mechanisms work together to address different aspects of tailings management.

Implementing a multifaceted approach ensures comprehensive oversight, enhancing the safety and integrity of tailings facilities, mitigating risks to human health, the environment, and corporate assets.

The management of tailings is a complex but critical aspect of mining operations, demanding a multifaceted and integrated approach to ensure safety and environmental stewardship.

By leveraging these five review mechanisms, mining operators can effectively manage the risks associated with tailings storage, contributing to the ongoing improvement of industry standards and practices.

Ensuring the safety and integrity of tailings facilities is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental responsibility to communities, ecosystems, and future generations.