World body for tailings management
A global institute is unveiled to assess the implementation of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management.
The Global Tailings Management Institute (GTMI), a not-for-profit multi-stakeholder governed organisation dedicated to improving the safety of mine tailings facilities worldwide, has been founded by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).
Based in South Africa, the GTMI will drive the responsible management of tailings facilities throughout their lifecycle. Overseeing an independent assessment process through which tailings facilities will be audited and certified.
The GTMI will oversee the implementation of, and conformance with, the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
Companies seeking to meet the Standard are required to prioritise safety and enhance accountability through public disclosures at all tailings facilities.
The development of the institute was informed by comprehensive guidance from an international advisory panel representing multiple stakeholders.
The devastating Brumadinho dam collapse in Brazil, which killed 272 people in 2019, has been described by International Council on Mining and Metals as a stark wake-up call for the industry.
ICMM, UNEP and PRI convened the Global Tailings Review shortly after, and in August 2020 these bodies published the GISTM. The establishment of the institute is the next step in this journey.
The GTMI will be calling on all mining companies to become signatories, therefore committing to the implementation of the GISTM, and agreeing to independent auditing and certification.
All other interested parties will be invited to become supporters and participate in collaborative efforts to improve tailings management.
Adam Matthews, Chief Responsible Investment Officer at The Church of England Pensions Board, representing the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), says, 'The GTMI is a vital part of the global architecture to deliver the goal of zero harm to people and the environment from tailings dams.
'The GISTM’s credibility lies in the confidence of all stakeholders in the conformance status of tailings facilities. Updates will be made to the GISTM as lessons are learned from implementation, and public disclosure of auditing outcomes will ensure that interested parties are always kept informed,' said .
A first step for the GTMI is to elect a board of directors who will represent the communities and industries impacted by tailings facilities. The co-convenors are inviting applications from the following groups:
- Mining Industry
- Potentially affected communities
- Indigenous Peoples
- Investment community
- Insurance and banking Industry
- Technical and academic community
- Environmental experts
- Mining workforce
- Regulatory authorities
Applications for a board member position can be made online.
Once the board is in place, the GTMI will recruit a CEO and Chief Technical Officer who will establish a committee to oversee all technical matters.
For more like this...
