In August 2020, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) released the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) with the ‘ultimate goal of zero harm to people and the environment and zero tolerance for human fatality’ (ICMM, 2020).
Although not all mining companies are ICMM members, it is expected that investors, regulators, insurers and the public will pressure other mining companies to comply with the GISTM.
Because a “business-as-usual” approach will not prevent further failure disasters, the GISTM requires a fundamental shift in mining companies’ philosophy when designing, operating and closing tailings facilities. This paper details some of the key differences between the GISTM and other current industry guidelines with particular reference to the ANCOLD Tailings Dams guidelines (ANCOLD, 2019).