In the complex and evolving mining industry, the Life of Mine (LoM) refers to the anticipated duration over which a mining project remains operational, from the initial phases of exploration to final closure and post-closure. This article will delve into how mining operations, especially regarding tailings management, align with best practices, focusing on the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). Effective tailings management, particularly through the lens of GISTM, is important to ensuring environmental sustainability and community safety throughout the entire LoM.

Understanding Life of Mine (LoM)

The LoM represents the timeline and all processes involved in a mining project, from exploration, design, and development, to extraction, tailings storage, and eventual closure. Each stage requires meticulous planning, management, and compliance with standards that meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities.

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has published several comprehensive guidelines that promote sustainable development and responsible mining practices. These documents, including the Mining Principles, the Good Practice Guide on Tailings Management, and the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), provide critical frameworks for operators to manage the risks associated with tailings over the life of a mine.

Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM)

The GISTM, developed by ICMM, UNEP, and PRI, sets the highest standard for tailings facility management and aims to achieve zero harm to people and the environment throughout the entire lifecycle of the tailings facility. Its framework is designed to be flexible yet robust, allowing operators to adapt it to their specific contexts, legal requirements, and operational constraints.

Key elements of GISTM include:

1. Respect for Affected Communities

GISTM emphasizes the importance of engaging with communities affected by mining operations. Throughout the lifecycle of the tailings facility, mining companies are required to respect the rights of these communities, actively involve them in decision-making, and maintain open channels of communication to manage the social and environmental impacts of tailings facilities.

2. Integrated Knowledge Base

A core principle of GISTM is the development of a comprehensive interdisciplinary knowledge base, encompassing social, environmental, economic, and technical aspects of tailings management. This knowledge base is critical for informed decision-making throughout the lifecycle of a tailings facility, from design and construction to operation, closure, and post-closure.

3. Design, Construction, Operation, and Monitoring

The GISTM provides detailed requirements on designing and managing tailings facilities to minimize risk at every phase, including post-closure. It stresses the importance of continuous monitoring, risk assessment, and adaptive management techniques to address challenges such as climate change and material variability. This includes the development of robust water management systems to ensure long-term sustainability.

4. Governance and Accountability

Effective governance structures are vital for ensuring the integrity of tailings facilities. GISTM mandates that mining companies appoint accountable executives for tailings management, supported by clear systems of review and assurance. Independent review bodies, such as the Independent Tailings Review Board (ITRB), play a critical role in evaluating and validating safety and performance throughout the facility’s lifecycle.

5. Emergency Preparedness and Long-term Recovery

GISTM also requires the preparation of emergency response plans, designed to mitigate the risks of tailings facility failure and facilitate long-term recovery should such an event occur. This includes clear protocols for engaging local authorities and communities in preparedness activities.

Tailings Management within the LoM

Tailings are the by-products left over after the valuable parts of mined ore have been extracted. Managing these materials over the life of the mine is critical due to their potential environmental and social risks. The Tailings Management Good Practice Guide emphasizes that tailings management is not isolated but integrated into the broader mine planning process. The guide introduces a holistic lifecycle approach to ensure tailings facilities are planned, constructed, and managed safely and sustainably from conception to post-closure.

Key stages of tailings management within LoM include:

1. Planning and Design (Pre-conception and Conception Phases)

Early planning is crucial to selecting optimal sites for tailings storage and developing robust designs that account for future risks such as climate change. Decisions made during the planning stage can significantly influence the facility’s long-term safety.

2. Operations and Ongoing Construction

During the operational phase of the mine, continuous monitoring, water management, and the updating of safety protocols ensure that tailings storage facilities are functioning as intended. Adaptive management, including real-time surveillance and monitoring, plays a critical role in minimizing risks.

3. Closure and Post-Closure

Planning for mine closure, including tailings facility decommissioning, should begin early in the lifecycle. The closure phase focuses on regrading, rehabilitating, and maintaining the tailings facility to prevent environmental degradation. Post-closure, surveillance, and maintenance must continue to ensure long-term stability.

Effective tailings management, guided by the principles of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), is integral to the sustainability of mining operations throughout the Life of Mine. By embedding governance, technical excellence, and community engagement into every phase, mining companies can ensure the long-term safety and success of their projects. This article encourages mining operators to integrate the GISTM into their operations to achieve responsible tailings management and to safeguard people, the environment, and the industry’s future.