Future tailings management strategies - High time we took the high road

Managing the vast quantities of mine waste, particularly tailings, which are generated by many of today's mining operations will continue to provide an enormous challenge to the designers and operators of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs). This paper suggests that the correct approach to future management strategies is to resist the temptation to do only what is required, and to go beyond Currently accepted standards, improving TSF design and operations so that these facilities do not become the Achilles heel of the mining industry. We Should ultimately be able to claim that tailings are indeed managed in a responsible and benign manner. Anything less Could ultimately result in the industry's Continuing licence to operate being placed in jeopardy.