TOPIC - Sustainable Tailings Management: Is it Possible?
Background
The mining industry is under pressure to improve its sustainability, and tailings management is a critical aspect of this agenda. This panel discussion will bring together experts in mining, environmental management, and sustainability to explore strategies for sustainable tailings management, including minimizing waste, promoting rehabilitation, and ensuring long-term stability.
The discussion will examine the challenges and opportunities for sustainable tailings management, including the role of technology, innovation, and collaboration. Panelists will discuss best practices and case studies of successful sustainable tailings management and explore the policy and regulatory frameworks needed to support sustainable tailings management. The discussion will also consider the social and environmental implications of tailings management, and the importance of community engagement and participation in decision-making.
Key topics to be discussed include the principles of sustainable tailings management, the role of circular economy approaches, and the importance of transparency and accountability in tailings management.
Key Questions:
- What are the barriers to sustainable tailings management, and how can they be overcome?
- What are the key strategies for sustainable tailings management, and how can they be implemented?
- What is the role of industry, government, and civil society in promoting sustainable tailings management?
SRK Consulting
Website: https://www.srk.com/
SRK Consulting is an international consultancy firm specializing in mining, environmental management, and geotechnical services. It provides technical expertise in exploration, resource assessment, mine design, closure planning, and environmental impact assessments. The firm works with mining companies and governments to support responsible resource extraction, sustainable development, and adherence to best practices in safety and environmental stewardship. SRK Consulting plays a key role in ensuring that mining projects meet regulatory requirements and consider long-term community and ecological well-being.
Knight Piesold Consulting
Knight Piesold Consulting is a global engineering consultancy firm that offers expert services in tailings storage facility design, mine infrastructure, water resource management, and environmental and social impact assessment. It supports mining and infrastructure projects from feasibility through closure, helping to ensure safe, sustainable and technically sound operations. The firm emphasizes environmental protection, hazard mitigation, and community safety in its work, contributing to sustainable mining practices. Through its specialized consulting services, Knight Piesold helps clients balance technical, environmental, and social responsibilities.
Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA)
Website: https://www.zema.org.zm/
The Zambia Environmental Management Agency is the national regulatory authority responsible for environmental protection, pollution control, and sustainable natural resource management in Zambia. It issues environmental permits, monitors compliance with environmental laws and standards, and enforces regulations on waste management, mining impacts, water quality, and ecosystem protection. ZEMA works to safeguard human health and ecological integrity by reviewing project environmental impact assessments, conducting inspections, and overseeing mitigation measures. Its role is central to ensuring that industrial and development projects in Zambia minimize environmental harm and promote sustainable practices.
The Global Tailings Management Institute (GTMI)
Website: https://thegtmi.org/
The Global Tailings Management Institute is an international body focused on promoting best practices, standards and governance in tailings facility management for the mining sector worldwide. It provides guidance and frameworks to improve safety, transparency and responsibility in the design, operation, and closure of tailings storage facilities. GTMI works with industry stakeholders, regulators, and communities to prevent environmental disasters, ensure long-term stability of tailings storage, and promote sustainable mining practices globally. Its mission is to minimize risks to people and the environment from mining waste and to foster accountability and sustainable stewardship in mining operations.
The Global Mineral Professionals Alliance (GMPA)
Website: https://gmpaalliance.org/
The Global Mineral Professionals Alliance is an international network of mining and mineral-sector professionals committed to promoting ethical, sustainable and technically sound practices. Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development, GMPA supports capacity building and high standards across the global mining industry. It brings together experts in geology, mining engineering, environmental management, and social governance to advocate for responsible resource extraction and community-sensitive mining. The alliance aims to raise professional standards, foster transparency, and ensure that mineral development projects worldwide benefit societies without compromising environmental and social values.
Moderator: Zambia Alliance of Women (ZAW)
The Zambia Alliance of Women is a civil society organisation that advocates for women’s rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment across Zambia. It works to promote women’s participation in social, economic, and political life, safeguard their rights, and address issues such as gender-based violence, equal opportunities, and social justice. Through community outreach, advocacy, and collaboration with government and other stakeholders, ZAW seeks to give women a strong voice on national development, resources management, and decision-making. The organisation plays an important role in promoting inclusion, equality, and ensuring that women’s perspectives are represented in policies and development processes.
