TAILINGS

MANAGEMENT GOOD
PRACTICE GUIDE
Operational Staff Training
TRAINING OUTLINE
Total Training Time
Learning Outcomes
International Council on Mining and Metals
3 days
By the end of this training, participants should be able to:
• Develop an understanding of the key concepts of good governance
and engineering practices in tailings management throughout the
lifecycle of a mine.
• Develop an understanding of how to implement the performance-based,
risk-informed approach to tailings management throughout the lifecycle
of a mine.
• Recognise how your role will contribute towards improved tailings
management throughout the lifecycle of a mine.
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PROGRAMME TRAINING TOPICS
Topic 1: Introduction
Topic 2: Background to the Good Practice Guide
Topic 3: Scope of the Good Practice Guide
Topic 4: Good Governance Practices for Tailings Management
● Accountability and Responsibility
● Community Engagement and Sharing Information
● Tailings Management Systems
● Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance
● Managing Information
● Programme for Reviewing Tailings Safety
● Emergency Preparedness and Response

Topic 5: Good Engineering Practices for Tailings Management

● Integrated Mine Planning
● Conception, Design, Construction, Operation, Closure and Post Closure
● Recognising and Managing Uncertainty and Risk

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TOPIC 1
Introduction
TOPIC FOCUS
In this topic, we’ll explore the following:

1. Message from ICMM: The importance of this training

2. Message from [insert company name]: Why we support this training
3. What are tailings?
4. What are the consequences of tailings failures?

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ICMM
Endorsement Message

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COMPANY [INSERT COMPANY] NAME
Endorsement Message

TO BE DEVELOPED BY YOUR BUSINESS (OPTIONAL)

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WHAT ARE TAILINGS?

Tailings are the byproduct of

mining. Tailings consist of the
processed rock or soil left over
from the separation of the
commodities of value from the rock
or soil within which they occur.

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WHAT IS A TAILINGS FACILITY?

● Planned A tailings facility includes the collective engineered

structures, components and equipment involved in
● Designed the management of tailings solids, other mine
● Constructed waste managed with tailings (eg waste rock, water
treatment residues), and any water managed in the
● Operated
facility, including pore fluid, any ponds, and surface
● Closed water inflows and discharges.

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DISCUSSION ACTIVITY
Consequences of catastrophic failure discussion task

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REVIEW
Topic summary:

1. Purpose of Training
● The Good Practice Guide is important in achieving the aspirational goal of eliminating fatalities and catastrophic
failures at tailings facilities. This training will enable members and their staff to incorporate the Standard and Good
Practice Guide into their practices to improve mine tailings facility performance and to achieve these safety goals.

2. Tailings
● Tailings are the byproduct of mining. Tailings consist of the processed rock or soil left over from the separation of
the commodities of value from the rock or soil within which they occur.

3. Tailings facilities
● A tailings facility includes the collective engineered structures, components and equipment involved in the
management of tailings solids, other mine waste managed with tailings (e.g., waste rock, water treatment residues),
and any water managed in the facility, including pore fluid, any ponds, and surface water inflows and discharges.

4. Consequences of catastrophic failure

● Numerous adverse impacts including loss of life, damage to physical infrastructure or natural assets, and disruption
to lives and social order; operator losses include financial and impact to reputation.

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CLOSING ACTIVITY
What do you want to get out of this training?

Think about why you are here today. What are YOU here to learn?
● Using sticky/ Post-It notes:
1. Write down 5 things you want to learn from this training
(one idea on each post- it note)
2. Post your learning 'wants' around the room
(no names required)

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