The Importance of Early Planning: How Mining Companies Can Optimise Tailings Storage Facility Closures

In this episode, we chat with Justin Walls, a principal consultant specializing in tailings and mine closures for SRK Consulting in Australia, who are a global firm that provides technical services for mining and exploration projects. Justin discusses looking at proactive tailings closure and why balancing compliance, reducing liabilities, and adding value through strategic planning is important, and why companies should take note. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mining companies should start thinking about tailings storage facility (TSF) closure designs early in the mining lifecycle, ideally during the operational phase, to reduce future liabilities and ensure financial efficiency. Meeting standards such as the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) is crucial for mining companies. Compliance should be viewed as a baseline, with companies encouraged to exceed these requirements to mitigate risks and enhance their reputation. Early collaboration with stakeholders, including local communities and regulators, is essential for successful closure planning. Engaging these groups helps align expectations and can lead to better outcomes for both the mining company and the community. Successful TSF closure projects often involve proactive planning and adjustments during operations. Conversely, failures typically stem from neglecting community needs and environmental considerations, leading to long-term liabilities. BEST MOMENTS "I see myself as a bit of a recovering tailings engineer at this point in time." "It's never too early... it would be a lot easier and reduce your liability quite a lot if you did it earlier on." "If mining companies don't do it properly, you're gonna end up as long-term land management companies." "Closure planning... is an opportunity. It's a proactive way to reduce future liabilities." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [e-mail] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS  Contacts: Website: https://www.srk.com SRK communications email address: [e-mail] Justin: [e-mail] Social media links: SRK: linkedin.com/company/srk-consulting Justin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-walls-3360a382/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD [e-mail] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry