Managing the safety of tailings dams is one of the most complex and critical challenges facing today’s mining industry. Potential impacts on people, the environment and operational continuity have driven the adoption of increasingly demanding international standards, including the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
At iPresas, we apply risk analysis as the central pillar of tailings dam management, integrating it in a practical and traceable manner with GISTM requirements. Our approach enables risks to be identified, assessed and managed throughout the entire life cycle of the facility, supporting robust, risk-based decision-making.
What does the GISTM require in terms of risk analysis?
- The GISTM establishes that operators must:
Systematically identify and assess risks associated with tailings dams. - Understand potential failure modes, their causes and consequences.
- Implement mitigation and control measures proportional to the level of risk.
- Maintain continuous and dynamic risk management, updated over time.
Risk analysis ceases to be a one-off exercise and becomes a living management tool.
Our risk analysis approach for tailings dams
At iPresas, we have developed a specific methodology for tailings dams, aligned with international best practices and the principles of the GISTM.
1. Identification of Potential Failure Modes (PFMA)
The first step consists of the structured identification of potential failure modes (PFMs) through collaborative technical workshops. This process:
- Integrates geotechnical, hydraulic, operational and environmental disciplines.
- Involves key operator personnel and technical specialists.
- Enables the development of a shared understanding of the facility’s risks.
PFMA forms the foundation upon which all subsequent analysis is built.
2. Semi-quantitative risk assessment (SQRA)
Based on the identified PFMs, we carry out a semi-quantitative risk assessment in which we estimate:
- Relative probabilities of occurrence.
- Potential consequences for people, the environment and assets.
- Risk levels and prioritisation of critical scenarios.
This step is essential to comply with the ALARP principle and to focus resources on the most significant risks.
3. Detailed and quantitative analysis (where applicable)
For the most critical scenarios, we progress to more detailed analyses:
- Breakdown of failure modes into analysis nodes.
- Assessment of technical and operational uncertainties.
- More robust estimation of probabilities and consequences.
This level of analysis strengthens the traceability and technical robustness required by the GISTM.
4. Dam breach and consequence analysis
Where risk levels require it, we conduct tailings dam breach analyses, considering:
- Rheological behaviour of the tailings.
- Extent, depths and velocities of inundation.
- Potential impacts on communities, infrastructure and the environment.
The results directly inform the risk assessment and emergency planning.
5. Continuous risk management and follow-up
Risk analysis does not end with a report. At iPresas, we support operators in:
- Periodic updating of the risk analysis.
- Integration with monitoring and instrumentation systems.
- Adapting the analysis to operational, construction or regulatory changes.
This dynamic approach is consistent with the spirit of the GISTM and responsible tailings management.
iPresas added value for GISTM compliance
✔ Tailings-specific methodology
✔ Direct alignment with GISTM principles and requirements
✔ Integration of risk, engineering and operations
✔ Real support for decision-making and investment prioritisation
✔ Focus on safety, sustainability and risk governance
Risk analysis applied to tailings dams is an essential tool for complying with the GISTM and, above all, for responsibly managing critical infrastructure. At iPresas, we approach it from an integrated, technical and practical perspective, supporting operators throughout the entire life cycle of their facilities.
