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From a climate change perspective , one of the biggest gaps in meeting GISTM requirements is the monitoring of meteorological parameters . This is not just about having a functional weather station on site , but also about regularly analysing and acting on the weather data received . Water management is key to preventing TSF failures and this requires action associated with observed trends provided by meteorological monitoring .
The scientific instruments also need regular calibration if they are to remain reliable , and mines need to be actively engaging with the data stream . There is scope to use modelling in some contexts , but modelled meteorological datasets tend to have inherent limitations .
A further challenge is that in nations with high unemployment rates , mining operations often draw informal settlement of individuals seeking job opportunities . When the establishment of these settlements are not appropriately planned and managed , significant numbers of people establish homes and livelihoods near a TSF .
Monitoring and data Another important challenge on many mine sites was the significant lack of meteorological monitoring . This meant that TSFs were being managed without sufficient accurate weather data , including the site-specific rainfall levels .
In the real world , however , there are situations where data levels are not optimal – and so SRK has developed an approach through which we can use modelled data in conjunction with the monitored data that is available . This can create datasets which are usable by some of the disciplines involved in TSF management and closure .
This lack of data also exacerbates the challenge of predicting future key weather conditions like rainfall , as projections tend to be a ‘ best guess ’. There is a need to improve the reliability of projections by comparing them regularly to current data collected from monitoring activities . Given this uncertainty , SRK collaborates with international peer reviewers and academics to improve confidence in forecasts .
Integration of data remains another central challenge , as the monitoring data really needs to be available to other disciplines . The GISTM requires climate change to be built into our TSF and water management designs , and for these designs to be continually updated and assessed as the climate changes .
10 • African Mining • February 2025 www . africanmining . co . za