How do you prevent tailings dam failures?

1 Design and construction

The design and construction of a tailings dam should follow the best available practices and standards, taking into account the site-specific conditions, risks, and uncertainties. A tailings dam should have adequate stability, drainage, and seepage control systems, as well as contingency plans for extreme events. The design and construction should also involve independent reviews, audits, and inspections by qualified experts.

2 Operation and maintenance

The operation and maintenance of a tailings dam should ensure that the facility performs as intended and meets the regulatory and corporate requirements. A tailings dam should have a comprehensive monitoring and surveillance program, using both manual and automated instruments, to detect any changes or anomalies in the physical and chemical parameters. The operation and maintenance should also include regular testing, reporting, and corrective actions, as well as emergency preparedness and response plans.

3 Closure and post-closure

The closure and post-closure of a tailings dam should aim to achieve long-term stability, safety, and environmental protection. A tailings dam should have a closure plan that defines the objectives, criteria, methods, and costs of decommissioning and rehabilitation. The closure plan should also address the potential post-closure issues, such as water quality, erosion, vegetation, wildlife, and land use. The closure and post-closure should also involve stakeholder engagement, communication, and feedback.

4 Governance and accountability

The governance and accountability of a tailings dam should establish clear roles, responsibilities, and authorities for the management and oversight of the facility. A tailings dam should have a governance framework that defines the policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, closure, and post-closure of the facility. The governance framework should also include mechanisms for internal and external reporting, verification, and assurance.

5 Risk assessment and management

The risk assessment and management of a tailings dam should identify, analyze, evaluate, and treat the potential hazards and consequences of a failure. A tailings dam should have a risk assessment process that considers the technical, operational, environmental, social, and economic factors that influence the likelihood and impact of a failure. The risk assessment process should also incorporate the uncertainty and variability of the data and assumptions. A tailings dam should have a risk management plan that outlines the preventive and mitigative measures, as well as the residual risks and opportunities.

6 Stakeholder engagement and communication

The stakeholder engagement and communication of a tailings dam should foster trust, transparency, and collaboration among the parties involved or affected by the facility. A tailings dam should have a stakeholder engagement strategy that identifies the key stakeholders, their interests, concerns, expectations, and information needs. The stakeholder engagement strategy should also define the methods, channels, frequency, and content of communication. A tailings dam should have a communication plan that delivers accurate, timely, and consistent information, as well as solicits and responds to feedback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?