The management of tailings storage facilities and mining waste has become a key priority for the mining industry. In this context, the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) has established itself as one of the leading international standards for managing these facilities safely, responsibly and throughout their entire life cycle.
From the perspective of a mining consultancy specialising in risk management, compliance with the GISTM is not simply about producing technical documentation. It requires operators to demonstrate that they have real, traceable and effective processes in place to identify, assess, control and communicate the risks associated with their tailings facilities.
More Than a Technical Standard
The GISTM requires the implementation of a genuine tailings management system integrated into the company’s corporate structure. This involves clear responsibilities, adequate resources, documented processes, independent review and active involvement from senior management.
Tailings safety cannot rely solely on local technical teams or occasional reviews; it must form part of the organisation’s overall governance framework.
Understanding the Facility
Operators must maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge base for each facility, including design, construction, operation, observed performance, geological, hydrological, seismic, environmental and social conditions.
This information should help answer key questions: what is known about the facility, what uncertainties remain, which failure modes are most relevant and what consequences a failure could have.
Risk-Based Management
One of the pillars of the GISTM is risk-informed management. Operators must identify hazards and threats, analyse failure modes, evaluate consequences and define control measures proportionate to the level of risk.
This approach enables actions and investments to be prioritised not only according to the physical condition of the facility, but also considering potential impacts on people, the environment, mining operations and corporate reputation.
Governance and Responsibilities
The standard requires a clear definition of who makes decisions, who oversees safety, who validates technical analyses and who is responsible for responding to critical situations.
For companies managing multiple facilities, this is essential for comparing risks, prioritising investments and applying consistent criteria across the entire portfolio.
Life-Cycle Management and Emergency Preparedness
The GISTM requires safety to be managed from planning and design through operation, closure and post-closure. This involves considering future facility evolution, operational changes, water management, climate scenarios and long-term closure requirements.
It also requires emergency preparedness plans based on credible failure scenarios, impact mapping, warning systems, communication protocols and regular drills coordinated with authorities and potentially affected communities.
Transparency and Continuous Improvement
The GISTM incorporates the social dimension of tailings management. Operators must identify potentially affected communities, provide relevant information and establish meaningful engagement mechanisms.
Furthermore, compliance is not a one-time exercise. It requires audits, independent review, information updates, action tracking and verifiable evidence of continuous improvement.
Conclusion
The GISTM represents a profound shift in the management of tailings facilities. For operators, the main challenge is moving from documentary compliance to effective implementation based on knowledge, risk management, governance, transparency and continuous improvement.
Working with a specialised mining consultancy experienced in risk assessment, dam safety and critical infrastructure management can make a significant difference in advancing towards safer, more responsible and more sustainable mining.
