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The Role of Corporate Governance : How to Develop a Global Tailings Division

Tailings and Mine Waste Conference (2023 : Vancouver, B.C.); University of British Columbia. Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering

The mining industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of responsible tailings management. While the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) provides a valuable framework for mining companies seeking to develop tailings governance and management practices, it should be viewed as a minimum requirement rather than a comprehensive solution. To this end, establishing a robust and effective Tailings Governance and Tailings Management System is essential. Tailings governance and tailings management are related but distinct concepts in the context of an organization’s operations. Tailings governance refers to the framework of policies, standards, and procedures that guide technical aspects. It involves establishing the rules and guidelines for making decisions, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards, and setting expectations for performance. On the other hand, tailings management involves the day-to-day management and oversight of activities within an organization. This includes tasks such as planning and scheduling work, allocating resources, managing teams, and ensuring that tasks are carried out effectively and efficiently. Within the scope of this paper, it is crucial to recognize and differentiate between tailings governance and tailings management, as they are two distinct but interconnected concepts that together form the foundation of a robust Tailings Management System. This paper outlines the key components required for developing such a system, including creating a Tailings Management Policy and establishing a Tailings Governance Framework and Tailings Management Standards, Procedures, and Guidance Notes. It also discusses case studies from Australia, Ghana, Peru, and South Africa, focusing on site-specific plans, systems, and processes. The paper also highlights the importance of site-specific management structures and the incorporation of stakeholder engagement and reporting mechanisms to ensure effective implementation and monitoring. By adopting a comprehensive approach to tailings management, Gold Fields and other mining organizations can demonstrate their commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and promote stakeholder confidence in their operations.

Text

2023-12-08

Attribution-NonCommercialNoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/86817

Unreviewed

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/