The mining industry is undergoing a pivotal transformation as it moves to align with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), a set of guidelines introduced to enhance the safety and environmental management of tailings storage facilities (TSFs). This initiative comes in the wake of several high-profile TSF failures, underscoring the urgent need for a more comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to tailings management.
Tailings Management: A New Era
In August 2023, the first deadline passed for mining companies to bring their TSFs into compliance with the GISTM for facilities identified with the highest potential consequences in the event of a failure. This marked the beginning of a fundamental shift towards considering not just the technical engineering requirements but also the broader environmental and social context in which a TSF operates.
Beyond Engineering: Environmental and Social Disciplines
According to a report by Mining Review, the GISTM has broadened the scope of tailings management to include environmental and social disciplines, alongside traditional tailings-related fields such as civil, geotechnical, hydraulic engineering, geohydrology, and geochemistry. This integration is particularly evident in the standard’s closure requirements, reflecting a response to TSF failures at sites that were no longer operational but still posed significant risks.
Addressing Climate Change and Closure
Climate change poses new challenges for TSF management, especially in planning for closure. Shifts in rainfall patterns can affect the water balance within a TSF, necessitating adaptations in design and management practices to ensure stability. SRK Consulting has responded by expanding its environmental engineering capabilities, aligning with the GISTM’s emphasis on climate change adaptation and stakeholder engagement.
Dam Breach Analysis and Disaster Management
Another critical aspect of the GISTM is its focus on social impacts and the requirement for dam breach analysis. This analysis is essential for developing emergency response and disaster management plans, which must consider a wide range of stakeholders. SRK Consulting has developed specific capacity in dam breach analysis, reflecting the growing importance of this area in tailings management.
The Road to Compliance: Challenges and Progress
The journey towards GISTM compliance has involved a significant level of new investigation and study to understand TSF behavior better and address the inherent geotechnical risks. Despite some monitoring systems showing no prior signs of failure, the industry has recognized gaps in its understanding of TSFs and is working to close these through improved record-keeping, monitoring, and a continuous re-assessment cycle.
Technological Advances in Monitoring
Technological advancements are playing a crucial role in enhancing TSF monitoring. Real-time monitoring technologies allow for continuous tracking of TSF performance, providing vital data to inform management decisions and ensure the safety and stability of these structures.
Fostering Skills and Broadening Compliance
As the industry progresses towards full GISTM compliance, there is a recognition that further efforts are needed to extend these standards across the global mining sector. The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has been a strong supporter of the GISTM, but with an estimated half of the world’s TSFs still, outside this framework, there is a clear need to broaden compliance and develop the specialized skills required for effective tailings management.
The adoption of the GISTM represents a significant step forward in the mining industry’s approach to tailings management, emphasizing a holistic view that incorporates environmental, social, and technical considerations. As companies work towards compliance, the focus on multidisciplinary collaboration, advanced monitoring technologies, and skill development will be critical to ensuring the safety, stability, and sustainability of tailings storage facilities worldwide.
