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?
James Dutchman, SRK Consulting
Website: https://www.srk.com/
James Dutchman has been with SRK Consulting for the past 3 years and has been involved in projects across both the mining and energy sectors for over 13 years. He holds a BEng (Hons) in Engineering Geology & Geotechnics and is a professionally registered Scientist (PrSciNat) and project management professional (PMP). As a Principal Engineering Geologist and Partner at SRK James has extensive experience across both the mining and energy sectors, working in South Africa and international. His expertise includes project management, engineering geology & geotechnics, and tailings storage facility management with a detailed knowledge of digital monitoring and surveillance methods.
Mopani Copper Mines
Website: https://mopani.com.zm/
Tabo Chisenga is an Environmental Engineer and environmental and sustainability professional with over eight years of experience in the mining sector in Zambia. She currently serves as Acting Environmental Superintendent at Mopani Copper Mines Plc, providing environmental leadership across the Mufulira and Nkana operations. Her experience spans environmental compliance, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems, environmental monitoring, auditing, pollution prevention, water management, waste management, tailings, mine closure and sustainability. She is also actively involved in the development and implementation of Mopani’s ESG framework and sustainability reporting.
The Global Tailings Management Institute (GTMI)
Website: https://thegtmi.org/
Mutuso Dhliwayo is a lawyer with 24 years’ experience working on environment and natural resources governance. He holds a masters in Constitutional and Human Rights Law (LLM) from Midlands State University, Zimbabwe and a Masters in Environment and Development from University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He also holds a Bachelor of Laws Honors degree (LLBS) Degree from the University of Zimbabwe. He recently obtained Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment certification from CFA Institute. His research and advocacy interests are in climate change and energy governance, business and human rights and the extractive industry at the national, regional and international level.
Mopani Copper Mines
Website: https://mopani.com.zm/
Panelist: Brian Sunganchito
Mopani Copper Mines Plc is a major integrated copper mining and processing company operating underground mines, concentrators, a smelter and a refinery in Kitwe and Mufulira on Zambia’s Copperbelt. It is 51% owned by Delta Mining Limited (a subsidiary of UAE-based International Resources Holding) and 49% by ZCCM-IH. Following significant recapitalisation since 2024, Mopani has increased production, created thousands of jobs, prioritised local procurement and content, and is expanding capacity with the aim of substantially raising copper output while contributing to Zambia’s economic development
Copperbelt University (CBU)
Website: https://www.cbu.ac.zm/
Panelist: Dr Micheal Musiyalike
Copperbelt University (CBU) is a public university based in Kitwe, Zambia, established in 1987 by Act of Parliament No. 19. Guided by the motto “Knowledge and Service,” it contributes to national and global development through teaching, research, consultancy and public service. With multiple campuses across the country, CBU is particularly strong in engineering, mines and mineral sciences, the built environment, natural resources and environmental studies. It hosts the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and offers programmes that support sustainable resource management, climate resilience and industry needs in Zambia’s mining heartland.
Moderator: Ceaser Katebe, Zambia Alliance of Women (ZAW)
Website: https://zaw.org.zm/
Ceaser Katebe is a Programmes Manager at Zambia Alliance of Women with over 23 years of experience as a social development worker, specialising in the design and implementation of community-centred initiatives that deliver lasting social impact. He combines strong grant management, donor relations, and team leadership to take programmes from concept through to evaluation, guided by a commitment to structured collaboration, transparent reporting, and the empowerment of local stakeholders. He holds a Master’s in Land Economics from the University of Texas, a Master’s in Gender Statistics from Stockholm University, a B.A. in Development Studies, and a certificate in monitoring and evaluation. His research and professional work focus on corporate accountability, business and human rights in the extractive industry, poverty reduction, and community development. He has extensive experience working with government ministries and departments, the private sector, and civil society organisations, and currently serves as a Board member of the Africa Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA).
