Towards Zero Harm

iv

TOWARDS ZERO HARM – A COMPENDIUM OF PAPERS PREPARED FOR THE GLOBAL TAILINGS REVIEW

TOWARDS ZERO HARM – A COMPENDIUM OF PAPERS PREPARED FOR THE GLOBAL TAILINGS REVIEW

v

FOREWORD FROMTHE CHAIR

PREFACE

I would like to thank the whole Global Tailings Review team: the Expert Panel, the Advisory Group, the Co-Conveners and all authors and co-authors who have generously contributed their time and expertise to this volume. I trust that the papers contained herein add value to the ongoing public debate on safe management of tailings facilities and further reinforce the need for continued action to ensure that tragedies like the one in Brumadinho do not continue to happen. Particular and special thanks to the co-editors of this volume; Emeritus Professor David Brereton of The University of Queensland, for his contributions, ongoing support and diligence; and to the GTR Project Manager, Antonia Mihaylova, who worked tirelessly to bring the volume to fruition.

This collection of individually authored papers (‘chapters’) has been prepared to accompany the release of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (the Standard). The volume performs two main functions: 1. It provides context to the Standard by informing readers about the reasons why the Global Tailings Review (GTR) was initiated, the process that was followed, and the considerations that guided the development of the Standard. 2. It goes beyond the Standard to review a wide range of issues related to the safe management of tailings facilities, for consideration by the different actors involved – including governments, investors, insurers, international organisations, educational institutions, and industry professionals. All members of the Expert Panel, including the Chair, have contributed at least one chapter to the volume, either as sole or co-authors. The compilation also includes invited contributions from other experienced professionals and researchers working in the area. Several of these contributors were involved in the development of the Standard as members of the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group; some contributed in their capacity as representatives of one of the co-convening bodies; and others participated on an individual basis. As befits the breadth of the Standard, a broad cross-section of professional and academic disciplines is represented, including engineering, geology, environmental science, social sciences, risk management, law, public policy and finance. The chapters are organised into six sections. Each section contains knowledge, learnings and insights that are relevant to advancing the ultimate goal of the Standard, which is to achieve zero harm to people and the environment, with zero tolerance for human fatalities. Section One comprises two context-setting chapters. The first chapter, which was authored by the Chair and the Secretariat staff, provides a brief history and overview of the GTR. The second provides an overview of key research findings and organisational learnings on the frequency, type, location and impact of tailings facility failures and the factors that contribute to these failings. Section Two focuses on the social performance and human rights issues involved in designing and operating tailings facilities and managing the consequences of facility failures. Social performance is a cross-cutting theme that links to most of the topics covered in the Standard, but in particular to Topic I (Affected Communities) and Topic V (Emergency Response and Long-term Recovery). The first chapter in this section explains how and why social performance work is critical to tailings facility management, and describes the logic that underpins the inclusion and integration of social performance elements throughout the Standard. The second chapter presents lessons for the mining industry from international disaster research. Section Three links to Topics II and III of the Standard (Integrated Knowledge Base and Design, Construction, Operation and Monitoring of the Tailings Facility). The chapters in this section address different aspects of tailings management, from design through to closure. There is a strong focus on how outcomes can be enhanced through technological innovation and improved management and governance. Topics covered include: the benefits of taking a systems approach to tailings management; alternative technologies for storing and managing tailings; strategies for reducing the volume of tailings material generated; ensuring the safe

Dr. Bruno Oberle Chair of the Global Tailings Review