Making Mine Tailings
Facilities Safer
For People &
The Environment
INTRODUCING THE GLOBAL TAILINGS MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
On 25 January 2019, a tailings dam disaster in Brazil’s Brumadinho claimed 272 lives.
This, and other tailings facility failures, led to decisive action by ICMM, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) to make mine tailings facilities safer.
Together, they co-convened the Global Tailings Review, and in 2020 developed and published the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
The Goal
To achieve zero harm to people and the environment, with zero tolerance for human fatality.
“The Global Tailings Management Institute has been established to enhance the safety of mine tailings facilities, by promoting widespread adoption and implementation of the GISTM”
CO-FOUNDERS
WHAT IS THE GTMI?
An Independent Institute To Drive Responsible Mine Tailings Management
The Global Tailings Management Institute oversees the implementation of and conformance with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
With ICMM, UNEP and PRI as founding partners, the GTMI is an independent institution that operates on a non-profit basis.
Companies seeking to meet the GISTM are required to prioritise safety, and enhance accountability through public disclosures at all tailings facilities.
The GTMI is responsible for overseeing the independent auditing, verification and certification against the GISTM.
“Our vision is for all tailings facilities to be responsibly managed across all phases of their lifecycle, with the aim of achieving zero harm to people and the environment.”
THE GTMI BOARD
The GTMI Is Governed By A Multi-Stakeholder Board
It is composed of representatives from industries and communities who have experience with or are potentially affected by tailings facilities.
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE:
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Calling For Applicants To Serve On The GTMI Technical Committee
The GTMI is calling for applications to fill vacant roles on the Technical Committee.
The Committee’s primary purposes are to oversee:
- Technical issues related to the development and maintenance of conformance audit protocols as a priority.
- The audit and certification process contemplated in the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management.
WHAT WILL THE GTMI DO?
An Assurance
Framework
And Supporting Functions
Our core priority is to manage an assurance framework where tailings facilities will be independently audited and certified against the GISTM, including:
- Overseeing an independent accreditation process for auditors carrying out tailings facility audits.
- Providing a reference point for mining companies and auditors seeking clarification on the GISTM.
- Receiving and acting on feedback from stakeholders.
- Implementing any future changes developed by the co-convenors of the Global Tailings Review, to enhance the GISTM.
This will be supported by:
- Raising awareness by promoting familiarity with and understanding of the GISTM among mining companies, and encouraging its adoption.
- Sharing knowledge by facilitating discussions around how to effectively implement the GISTM and improve overall understanding of tailings management.
- Disclosures by providing access to tailings facility details and auditing outcomes.
WHAT WILL THE GTMI DO?
An Assurance Framework And Supporting Functions
Our core priority is to manage an assurance framework where tailings facilities will be independently audited and certified against the GISTM, including:
- Overseeing an independent accreditation process for auditors carrying out tailings facility audits.
- Providing a reference point for mining companies and auditors seeking clarification on the GISTM.
- Receiving and acting on feedback from stakeholders.
- Implementing any future changes developed by the co-convenors of the Global Tailings Review, to enhance the GISTM.
This will be supported by:
- Raising awareness by promoting familiarity with and understanding of the GISTM among mining companies, and encouraging its adoption.
- Knowledge sharing by facilitating discussions around how to effectively implement the GISTM and improve overall understanding of tailings management.
- Disclosures by providing access to tailings facility details and auditing outcomes.
“Comprising six topic areas, 15 principles and 77 auditable requirements, the GISTM will be supported by the GTMI’s conformance protocols, to guide consistent auditing and certification, or assurance as applicable.”
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
GISTM Conformance
Mining companies will become signatories, and commit to responsible tailings management, which encompasses:
- Conformance with the GISTM and sharing implementation lessons to inform periodic updates to the standard.
- Continuous improvement in tailings management practices.
- Enhanced communication with stakeholders including difficult subjects such as Emergency Response planning.
- Public disclosure and transparency through the GTMI.
WHAT IS THE SCOPE?
Supporting Independent Auditing And Disclosure
The GTMI will:
- Accredit auditors to evaluate and certify tailings facilities.
- Review audit reports for completeness.
- Publish summary audit reports and corrective action plans on this website.
- Provide technical advice on interpretation and implementation of the GISTM.
GOVERNANCE OF THE INSTITUTE
An Independent Institute Governed By Multiple Stakeholders
Creation
- The Global Tailings Review (GTR), was co-convened in 2019 by ICMM, UNEP and the PRI, and led by independent chair, Dr Bruno Oberle.
- Each convening party had an equal stake in the decision making and launched the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) in 2020.
- In 2021, a multi-stakeholder, independent advisory panel was created to support and guide the foundation of the GTMI.
Leadership
- The GTMI is a non-profit organisation governed by a multi-stakeholder board.
- A Technical Committee will be established to oversee all technical matters.
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The Board of Directors will be responsible for:
- Defining and reviewing the organisation’s strategy, and tracking performance
- Selecting, managing and supporting the GTMI’s Executive
- Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
- Understanding and managing the organisation’s risk and ensuring compliance
- The board will always strive to make decisions based on a consensus, with voting as a last resort.
SIGNATORIES & SUPPORTERS
All Stakeholders Can Support Responsible Tailings Management
Sign up for our newsletter to learn more.
Signatories:
Mining companies or government owned enterprises that have an operational responsibility for tailings facilities. Becoming a signatory will provide you with a means to demonstrate responsible tailings management, and maintain and enhance your:
- Social licence to operate
- Relationship with regulators and affected communities
- Investor confidence
- Potential for improved access to preferred insurance coverage
Supporters:
Stakeholders that do not have an operational responsibility for tailings facilities. Supporters are invited to share expertise, host or attend roundtables, and participate in other collaborative efforts to improve tailings management.
Signatories and supporters will be invited to register their interest once the key executive positions have been filled. Please join the newsletter mailing list to stay informed.