Towards Zero Harm

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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

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KEY MESSAGES

To provide guidance to readers, authors of most of the chapters have prepared a summary of the ‘key messages’ conveyed in their respective chapters. For ease of access, these messages are grouped together below, as well as being listed at the end of each chapter.

closure of tailings facilities and their conversion to beneficial uses; and, dealing with tailings and other wastes associated with ‘legacy’ mining sites. The section includes a chapter that presents findings from the first detailed analysis of the data provided by companies in response to the Church of England disclosure initiative. Section Four links to the theme of building organisational capability, which is also the focus of Topic IV of the Standard (Management and Governance). The first chapter in this section focuses on how mining companies can strengthen their internal accountability and risk management processes. The second chapter addresses the challenge of building technical and governance capability and improving knowledge management in the mining industry and regulatory bodies. Section Five , which links to both Topic IV and Topic V (Disclosure of Information), engages with broader questions about the governance framework within which mining is conducted. It comprises: (1) a chapter on the role of the State in ensuring the safe design and management of tailings facilities (including a discussion of how this role can be enhanced); (2) a comparative study of relevant regulatory frameworks in a range of mining jurisdictions; (3) a comparison of the Standard with other standards, codes and guidelines relating to tailings management; and (4) a chapter focused on the role that the insurance industry can play in driving improved practices in the mining sector and promoting uptake of the Standard. Section Six provides a brief overview of three other initiatives that are aimed at contributing to improved tailings management practices in the mining sector. These are: the Investor Mining and Tailings Safety Initiative; the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution on Mineral Resource Governance; and the proposed Global Research Consortium on Tailings. Section Seven lays out the different options and the Chair’s recommendation for implementation of the Standard and the way ahead. Disclaimer The views expressed in individual chapters are those of the authors, or the organisations that they represent. Publication of this volume by the GTR does not constitute endorsement of these views by any of the co-conveners.

MINE TAILINGS FACILITIES: OVERVIEW AND INDUSTRY TRENDS E. Baker, M. Davies, A. Fourie, G. Mudd, K. Thygesen

• Mine tailings are currently an unavoidable waste product of mining. • There has been an increase in the volume of tailings produced for many mineral commodities, due to increased demand for minerals and the continuing decrease in ore grades. • The precise number of active tailings facilities is currently unknown, although initiatives are underway to determine both the location and status of these facilities. • Responsible mine closure is integral to mining companies’ core business. • Mining, conducted responsibly, is acknowledged as a key industry for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). • Failures of tailings facilities are continuing to be reported across the globe. These failures are unacceptable to both the mining industry and society. • The triggers for failures of tailings facilities are well documented and understood and, as such, should be anticipated and addressed, starting at the design phase and continuously during operation through to closure (and beyond if necessary). • Communities potentially affected by mining hazards are entitled to information that allows an understanding of a broad range of risks, as well as being informed about operator risk reduction strategies. SOCIAL PERFORMANCE AND SAFE TAILINGS MANAGEMENT: A CRITICAL CONNECTION S. Joyce and D. Kemp • Mining companies should avoid equating the social performance function solely with community engagement, and work to strengthen the scientific, organisational and legal dimensions of this function. • Senior management should ‘hard-wire’ social performance into operational management practices to maximise the value of the function. • Companies should review whether operational-level social performance functions are ‘fit-for-purpose’ (i.e. appropriate to both the tailings facility and the local context) and adequately resourced. • A high level of interdisciplinary effort is required to support the safe management of tailings. • Managers at all levels of a mining company should maintain a willingness to engage in and promote cross-disciplinary conversations on specialist topics such as tailings facility management, and actively support inter-disciplinary work.