{"id":8472,"date":"2023-10-02T16:45:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-02T05:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/?p=8472"},"modified":"2023-10-04T16:46:10","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T05:46:10","slug":"opportunities-in-new-era-of-tailings-planning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/2023\/10\/02\/opportunities-in-new-era-of-tailings-planning\/","title":{"rendered":"Opportunities in new era of tailings planning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Site-Inspection-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early site reconnaissance is vital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Taking a more holistic, long-term view of tailings technologies will benefit companies, communities and other&nbsp;stakeholders.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mining companies are analysing more alternatives to tailings storage facilities (TSF) earlier for new projects as they respond to the global industry standard on tailings management (GISTM) and stakeholder expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Launched in August 2020, the GISTM sets a global benchmark for environmental, social and technical outcomes from tailings management. The goal is zero harm to communities and the environment from tailings facilities worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The GISTM has been widely adopted by members of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). These companies had until August 2023 to conform to the GISTM for tailings facilities, with \u201cextreme\u2019\u201d or \u201cvery high\u201d potential consequences for not doing so. All other tailings facilities have until 2025 to conform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Requirement 3.2 of the GISTM necessitates operators of new tailings facilities to undertake a multi-criteria alternative analysis of all feasible sites, technologies and strategies for tailings management. They should consider TSF alternatives over the project life cycle and address environmental, technical and socioeconomic impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is twofold: select a TSF alternative that minimises risks to people&nbsp;and the environment through the TSF life cycle, and minimise the volume of tailings and water placed in external tailings facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" id=\"attachment_304289\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Mining-Tailings-after-dam-collapse-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-304289\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lack of planning can result in catastrophic TSF failure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The GISTM requires the process to be reviewed independently and disclosed&nbsp;to stakeholders in order to aid public accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.srk.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SRK Consulting<\/a>&nbsp;senior tailings engineer Sam Kendall said the GISTM\u2019s&nbsp;requirement for the early evaluation of alternative tailings technologies and strategies has significant implications for new and established mining companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIn the context of GISTM compliance, there is increased attention being paid to the assessment of best available practices and\/or best available technologies; however, some established mining houses have long been applying these principles,\u201d Kendall said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSome miners are drawn to short-term capex (capital expenditure) and opex (operational expenditure) without sufficiently considering the longer-term, less tangible aspects of TSF design, which also derive value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFor newer companies at the very early stages of project development, the initial selection of a low-cost, status quo tailings management solution can be appealing, particularly when considering time and budget constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDuring the initial stages of project development, it can be easy for project managers without specific tailings experience to favour selecting a familiar, cost-effective solution; however, with large-scale uptake of the GISTM, the industry is being encouraged to invest in optimising tailings management to find more sustainable, long term, cost effective solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" id=\"attachment_304290\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/shutterstock_1539811367-300x189.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-304290\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tailings dam on a mine site.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kendall believes expectations are changing with the implementation of the GISTM and all miners developing new TSFs are expected to demonstrate that they are working towards a defensible evaluation of management options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis is an important consideration for mining companies, particularly those looking for early-stage investment from institutions which expect GISTM compliance,\u201d Kendall said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMore broadly, this process also influences perceptions from regulators, communities and the public. Companies should understand this change and be taking steps now to adapt to it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sustainable growth<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Kendall, the long-term benefits of comparing TSF alternatives can far outweigh the extra cost and risk, particularly when there are unique project drivers or TSF constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cExamining alternative TSF technologies will help mining companies to implement the optimal result on mine-waste design, now and in the future,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFundamentally, it\u2019s about being future-focused and open-minded about TSF technologies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Documenting and disclosing the process used to consider TSF alternatives has other benefits, Kendall said, including project transparency and stakeholder collaboration. Similarly, adopting this approach helps to demonstrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in TSF and cultivate a more holistic view of tailings management going forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arguably, the main benefit of this approach is the potential to \u201cfuture-proof\u201d TSF design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGiven life of mine is often 10-plus years, it is well worth exploring options that have the potential to improve the risk profile of the operation and licence to operate into the future,\u201d Kendall said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBusiness-as-usual-type facilities might not be able to maintain acceptability, as ongoing public disclosure requirements set a high bar for the mining industry in general.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kendall acknowledges, however, that this approach adds extra cost and risk for smaller mining companies. Assessing more TSF alternatives requires greater internal resources or use of industry consultants. Documenting the process to select a TSF technology and strategy, and having it independently reviewed, adds other costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main risk for smaller miners when selecting alternative tailings management approaches, such as large-scale filtration (reducing the amount of water transported from a processing plant to a TSF) or co-disposal (combining tailings and waste rock), is reliability and the potential for operational delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThese are important considerations that can be addressed with time,\u201d Kendall said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMining companies that don\u2019t adhere to GISTM requirements around TSFs will find it increasingly hard to attract capital from investors or will have to pay a higher cost for that capital.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stakeholders have demanded more rigorous and stringent TSF processes after the catastrophic tailings dam collapse at Vale\u2019s C\u00f3rrego do Feij\u00e3o mine in Brumadinho, Brazil, in January&nbsp;2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cInvestors are scrutinising TSFs in more detail than ever,\u201d Kendall said. \u201cThey recognise the immense reputational risk that can arise from a tailings failure, and the potential destruction of mine value.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kendall believes it is a good sign that&nbsp;mining companies are starting to&nbsp;adopt GISTM principles for tailing&nbsp;facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLike many things in mining, change usually starts at the top and works its way down,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s no one-size-fits-all approach.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key is a different mindset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s easy to view a TSF as only a cost and focus mostly on its impact on project economics. It\u2019s harder to identify and value the long-term, less tangible benefits of a successful TSF strategy and the damage caused if something goes wrong,\u201d Kendall said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe GISTM provides an opportunity for mining companies to show stakeholders the process they went through to choose their TSF. That\u2019s good for the company, communities, investors, and the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>SRK Consulting is a leading, independent international consultancy that advises clients mainly in the earth and water resource industries. Its mining services range from exploration to mine closure. SRK experts are leaders in fields such as due diligence, technical studies, mine waste and water management, permitting, and mine rehabilitation.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This feature appeared in the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.australianmining.com.au\/magazine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">October 2023 issue of Australian Mining<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0 Early site reconnaissance is vital. Taking a more holistic, long-term view of tailings technologies will benefit companies, communities and other&nbsp;stakeholders. Mining companies are analysing more alternatives to tailings storage facilities (TSF) earlier for new projects as they respond to the global industry standard on tailings management (GISTM) and stakeholder expectations. Launched in August 2020, &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/2023\/10\/02\/opportunities-in-new-era-of-tailings-planning\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Opportunities in new era of tailings planning&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[36],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8472","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-new-ideas"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p83F9T-2cE","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":8857,"url":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/02\/a-pioneer-in-tailings-management\/","url_meta":{"origin":8472,"position":0},"title":"A pioneer in tailings management","author":"yinghui","date":"October 2, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Staff Writer ANDRITZ filter presses achieve cost-effective and environmentally friendly filtration. Image: ANDRITZ ANDRITZ is finding innovative ways to help mining companies be more sustainable in their operations. As\u00a0the mining industry explores ways to enable greater operational sustainability, effective tailings management has become a major focal point. As one of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Clients&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Clients","link":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/category\/clients\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Andritz-1024x751.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Andritz-1024x751.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Andritz-1024x751.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Andritz-1024x751.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8332,"url":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/2023\/08\/08\/major-miners-release-tailings-facility-details\/","url_meta":{"origin":8472,"position":1},"title":"Major miners release tailings facility details","author":"yinghui","date":"August 8, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"OLIVIA THOMSON A tailing management facility at a mine. Anglo American and Glencore have reported the progress they have made towards meeting the global industry standard on tailings management (GISTM). Last week,\u00a0Rio Tinto\u00a0released details on its tailings facility. Anglo American has set out its\u00a0progress\u00a0towards bringing its\u00a012 tailings storage facilities\u00a0(TSFs) that\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Mines and Quarry&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Mines and Quarry","link":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/category\/mines-and-quarry\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-08-at-7.59.36-am-1024x543.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-08-at-7.59.36-am-1024x543.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-08-at-7.59.36-am-1024x543.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-08-at-7.59.36-am-1024x543.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8825,"url":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/2024\/08\/16\/rethinking-tailings\/","url_meta":{"origin":8472,"position":2},"title":"Rethinking tailings","author":"yinghui","date":"August 16, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Staff Writer Weir is aiding the mining industry in rethinking tailings. Image: Weir While producing tailings is inevitable, Weir is here to ensure waste is removed and handled sustainably. As\u00a0millions of tonnes of ore are processed each day across the mining industry, it stands to reason that\u00a0not all material is\u00a0exported\u00a0or\u00a0used.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Clients&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Clients","link":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/category\/clients\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Weir-1024x756.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Weir-1024x756.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Weir-1024x756.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Weir-1024x756.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1410,"url":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/2016\/05\/26\/new-dry-iron-ore-processing-technology-developed\/","url_meta":{"origin":8472,"position":3},"title":"New dry iron ore processing technology developed","author":"yinghui","date":"May 26, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"The mine tailing dam spill at BHP and Vale\u2019s Samarco iron ore operations last year killed 19 people and had devastating effects on the environment. Occurring in Minas Gerais, a south-eastern Brazilian state, the spill injured more than 50 people and contaminated the water supply of several towns. But can\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;\u65b0\u6280\u672f\u65b0\u4ea7\u54c1&quot;","block_context":{"text":"\u65b0\u6280\u672f\u65b0\u4ea7\u54c1","link":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/category\/new-tech-new-product\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"OURO PRETO \/ MINAS GERAIS \/ BRASIL - 07.10.2015  Inaugura\u00e7\u00e3o da planta da New Steel, NS3, na Mina de F\u00e1brica da Vale, em Ouro Preto. \u00a9 Washington Alves \/ Light Press","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bnmme.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/newsteel_1009-604x270.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bnmme.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/newsteel_1009-604x270.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bnmme.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/newsteel_1009-604x270.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8988,"url":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/fls-future-solutions-empowering-mines\/","url_meta":{"origin":8472,"position":4},"title":"FLS\u2019 future solutions empowering mines","author":"yinghui","date":"June 23, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Olivia Thomson Advanced grinding technologies have the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption. Image: FLS FLS is taking a holistic view of the entire metallurgical process to unlock value across recovery, efficiency and sustainability. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), mineral demand is expected to triple by 2050, fuelled\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Clients&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Clients","link":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/category\/clients\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FLS-HPGR-Rolls-2-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FLS-HPGR-Rolls-2-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FLS-HPGR-Rolls-2-1024x683.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FLS-HPGR-Rolls-2-1024x683.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3318,"url":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/2019\/04\/02\/lincom-group-and-mclanahan-announce-partnership\/","url_meta":{"origin":8472,"position":5},"title":"Lincom Group and McLanahan announce partnership","author":"yinghui","date":"April 2, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Original equipment manufacturers (OEM) Lincom Group and McLanahan Corporation have signed a contract that will see the former become the official Australian distributor of McLanahan\u2019s sand and aggregates processing range. This includes the distribution of McLanahan machinery designed for washing and classifying, tailings and water management and dewatering that will\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Mines and Quarry&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Mines and Quarry","link":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/category\/mines-and-quarry\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8472","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8472"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8472\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8473,"href":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8472\/revisions\/8473"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8472"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8472"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yinghuiinternational.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8472"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}