The Global Tailings Management Institute (GTMI), an independent, multi-stakeholder governed organisation dedicated to improving the safety of mine tailings facilities worldwide, was launched in South Africa recently.
It 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).
The GTMI will drive the responsible management of tailings facilities throughout their lifecycle. The goal is to achieve zero harm to people and the environment, by overseeing an independent assessment process through which tailings facilities worldwide 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 GTMI will be responsible for managing the assurance framework through which tailings facilities will be independently audited and certified against the GISTM, by qualified third-party assessors.
ICMM, UNEP and PRI convened the Global Tailings Review shortly after the Brumadinho dam collapse, which killed 272 people in Brazil in 2019. In August 2020 they published the GISTM and the establishment of the institute is the next transformative step. The development of the institute was informed by comprehensive guidance from an international advisory panel representing multiple stakeholders.
The GTMI’s mission
The core function of the GTMI is to manage the assurance framework. This will be supported by raising awareness and encouraging the adoption of the GISTM, sharing knowledge and best practices for responsible tailings management, and transparently disclosing auditing outcomes.
“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 Adam Matthews, Chief Responsible Investment Officer at The Church of England Pensions Board, representing the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).
Why South Africa?
“South Africa is an effective and appropriate location for the institute due to its significant mining sector, skills and experience in tailings management, and legal and professional expertise,” said Rohitesh Dhawan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the ICMM. “The country has at various times been at the forefront of mining practices and technology globally. The GTMI will benefit from that positive legacy, while contributing to the future growth and sustainability of the mining industry in the country. We are grateful for the support of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the Minerals Council of South Africa in the establishment of the institute,” he added.
Establishing a multi-stakeholder board
A critical first step for the GTMI is to elect a board of directors who will represent the entire ecosystem of 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
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. Independent auditors will also be recruited, trained, and accredited to evaluate and certify tailings facilities.
“UNEP is working towards making the mining and metals value chain more sustainable and to minimise its impact on the environment and human health”, said Elisa Tonda, Chief, Resources and Markets at UNEP. “The multi-stakeholder governance of the GTMI is critical to ensure transparency, accountability and ultimately build trust among all actors, which will contribute to a more responsible mining sector.” she added.
All stakeholders are invited to support responsible tailings management. 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. Becoming a signatory will not only demonstrate a commitment to responsible tailings management, but can help strengthen relationships with regulators and affected communities, boost investor confidence, and potentially provide access to preferred insurance coverage.
