Tailings management trade-off studies are done for all mining projects. There is wide variability in these studies as their approach, details and outcomes are determined by the experience and focus of the project team. While some of these approaches may consider the whole life cycle of the project others may focus only on capital and operating costs and direct environmental impacts. A complete life cycle approach is not standard practice._x000D_
This paper describes an approach to implementation of formalised life cycle assessment (LCA) following ISO 14044 to tailings management trade-off studies._x000D_
The paper describes the implementation of the methodological framework for the LCA, ie goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory analysis, life cycle impact assessment and life cycle interpretation. This standardised approach to implementing tailings management trade-off studies following the LCA approach will contribute to the state-of-the-practice in sustainable mine development._x000D_
FORMAL CITATION:van Zyl, D, 2009. Life cycle assessment and tailings management trade-off studies - an approach to implementation, in Proceedings SDIMI 2009 - Sustainable Development Indicators in the Minerals Industry, pp 251-258 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).