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A new tailings management hub
Editorial Director Paul Moore BSc ( Hons ), MSc Email : paul @ im-mining . com
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The Global Tailings Management Institute ( GTMI ), an independent , multistakeholder governed organisation dedicated to improving the safety of mine tailings facilities worldwide , has been launched . It has been founded by the International Council on Mining and Metals ( ICMM ), the United Nations Environment Programme ( UNEP ) and the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Investment ( PRI ).
Based in South Africa , the GTMI will drive the responsible management of tailings facilities throughout their lifecycle . The goal is to achieve zero harm to people and the environment , by overseeing an independent assessment process through which tailings facilities will be audited and certified .
The GTMI will oversee the implementation of , and conformance with , the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management ( GISTM ). Companies seeking to meet the Standard are required to prioritise safety , and enhance accountability through public disclosures at all tailings facilities . The GTMI will be responsible for managing the assurance framework through which tailings facilities will be independently audited and certified against the GISTM , by qualified third-party assessors .
The development of the institute was informed by comprehensive guidance from an international advisory panel representing multiple stakeholders .
“ The devastating Brumadinho dam collapse in Brazil which killed 272 people in 2019 was a stark wake-up call for the entire industry and marked the beginning of a vital journey to make these facilities safer for people and the environment . ICMM , UNEP and PRI convened the Global Tailings Review shortly after , and in August 2020 we published the GISTM . The establishment of the institute is the next transformative step . As a non-profit , multistakeholder governed initiative , we believe it will provide communities , investors and the mining industry with confidence that effective measures are being put in place to prevent future failures ,” said Aidan Davy , Co-COO of ICMM .
“ The GTMI is a vital part of the global architecture to deliver the goal of zero harm to people and the environment from tailings dams . The GISTM ’ s credibility lies in the confidence of all stakeholders in the conformance status of tailings facilities . Updates will be made to the GISTM as lessons are learned from implementation , and public disclosure of auditing outcomes will ensure that interested parties are always kept informed ,” said Adam Matthews , Chief Responsible Investment Officer at The Church of England Pensions Board , representing the Principles for Responsible Investment ( PRI ).
The core function of the GTMI is to manage the assurance framework . This will be supported by raising awareness and encouraging the adoption of the GISTM , sharing knowledge and best practices for responsible tailings management , and transparently disclosing auditing outcomes . A critical first step for the GTMI is to elect a board of directors who will represent the entire ecosystem of communities and industries impacted by tailings facilities . The coconvenors are inviting applications from the following groups : mining industry ; potentially affected communities ; indigenous peoples ; investment community ; insurance and banking industry ; technical and academic community ; environmental experts ; mining workforce ; and regulatory authorities .
Once the board is in place , the GTMI will recruit a CEO and Chief Technical Officer who will establish a committee to oversee all technical matters . Independent auditors will also be recruited , trained , and accredited to evaluate and certify tailings facilities .
“ UNEP is working towards making the mining and metals value chain more sustainable and to minimise its impact on the environment and human health ,” said Elisa Tonda , Chief , Resources and Markets at UNEP . “ The multi-stakeholder governance of the GTMI is critical to ensure transparency , accountability and ultimately build trust among all actors , which will contribute to a more responsible mining sector ,” she added .
The GTMI will be calling on all mining companies to become signatories , therefore committing to the implementation of the GISTM , and agreeing to independent auditing and certification . All other interested parties will be invited to become supporters and participate in collaborative efforts to improve tailings management . The statement said : “ Becoming a signatory will not only demonstrate a commitment to responsible tailings management , but can help strengthen relationships with regulators and affected communities , boost investor confidence , and potentially provide access to preferred insurance coverage .”
Sadly , South Africa itself has not been immune to tailings dam failures in recent years . On 11 September 2022 , the dam wall of the Jagersfontein diamond tailings dam in Free State province collapsed due to a structural failure . The failure resulted in the sudden and uncontrolled release of more than 6 million m 3 of liquid sludge , smothering nearly 200 nearby houses and approximately 1,600 ha of agricultural and grazing land . Over 40 people were injured , plus tragically two people died , and one still remains missing .
Paul Moore Editorial Director paul @ im-mining . com
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