HIGH PROFILE initial design phase because it makes it easier to identify key issues and understand if anything has changed over time . We have regular face to face meetings – generally quarterly but sometimes monthly , and at certain project phases even weekly . These meetings are attended by the EOR , the technical tailings consultant and the responsible tailings engineer , who is a representative from the mining company .
Q Is it normal for the EOR role to last from feasibility and design stage through to mine closure and beyond ? A The ideal scenario is for one EOR to be involved from start to finish . Sometimes there is a change between the feasibility and design phase and the evaluation phase , but there are advantages to keeping the same EOR in place . The EOR can serve as a repository for site knowledge and understand how and why design decisions were made . These projects can last decades , so it is good practice to have a deputy EOR appointed – a qualified substitute who can take over if the main EOR individual becomes unavailable , and to ensure a smooth transition if the appointed individual changes .
Q How do you as EOR keep on top of local and national regulatory and permitting requirements , as well as updates to global guidelines like the Global Standard ?
A Since 2018 , Stantec has had an EOR community inside our organisation which has a quarterly call to discuss practices and to get to know each other and our global projects better so we can support each other – this includes EORs in different offices and different countries . We generally have over 30 but sometimes up to 50 people taking part in these calls . We often invite some of our major EOR mining clients to join as well . We also have an annual EOR summit to devote time to connecting , knowledge sharing , and strategising our plan for the next year . We also encourage attendance and presenting at technical conferences about tailings management .
Q When the Global Standard came out in 2020 , how did you go about absorbing and interpreting the principles and guidelines it contained ? A This is why our community approach to EOR is so important – as you say there are some elements of the Global Standard that can be interpreted in different ways – on the quarterly calls we can talk through uncertainties related to particular wording , and how we can resolve perceived inconsistencies . The perspectives we gain from these informal exchanges and sharing our experiences with the new guidelines are invaluable .
Q It is not legally binding – with mandatory requirements in most big mining countries falling far short of what the Global Standard would propose . Do you still try to get mining clients to meet the Standard ? A At Stantec as an EOR we prioritise safe tailings management . Many larger mining companies have already committed to manage tailings using the Global Standard as their framework . There are other mine operators who have chosen a different approach , but there are other tailings management frameworks commonly used , such as the MAC Guidelines . The bottom line is that we are sharing a key goal with all our clients . That goal is to design , construct , operate , and close TSFs with safety top of mind for the community and environment throughout the entire lifecycle of the project .
Q What happens in cases where a mining company is acquired and the EOR changes ? A Change is inevitable . Like any other transition , it is important to make it as smooth as possible . An EOR transition period is very beneficial to the mine owner to transfer critical documents , knowledge , and other relevant data . This step is well worth it to build continuity and maintain the history of the site . At Stantec , we are implementing digital information management tools , such as GISbased field data collection , so that key data can be easily tracked , analysed , and shared . This makes onboarding new team members , transitioning to a new owner , or changing an EOR more seamless , so that safe tailings management can remain everyone ’ s priority . IM
FEBRUARY 2023 | International Mining 41