GREENSIDE, GP – The rumble of machinery is a familiar sound in Greenside, a constant reminder of the mining industry that underpins much of our local economy. However, beneath the surface of economic activity lies a growing concern for the safety and environmental impact of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) – the dams that hold the waste products of mining.
With the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) compliance deadline of August 2023 for facilities deemed “Extreme” or “Very High” consequence, and a further deadline of August 2025 for all other TSFs, Greenside’s mining operations are facing a significant challenge. This international standard, developed in response to catastrophic dam failures worldwide, demands unprecedented levels of safety, transparency, and accountability.
“The community is right to be concerned,” says Thandiwe Mkhize, chairperson of the Greenside Environmental Forum. “We’ve seen the devastating consequences of tailings dam collapses elsewhere. While our local mines have generally maintained good safety records, these new standards are a necessary step to prevent future tragedies and protect our natural environment.”
The GISTM requires a comprehensive overhaul of how TSFs are designed, constructed, operated, monitored, and ultimately closed. This includes rigorous risk assessments, independent oversight, and robust emergency preparedness plans. For many mines, especially older facilities, this translates into substantial engineering upgrades and significant financial investment.
Engineers specialising in this complex field are in high demand. Firms like Zutari, a prominent African engineering and advisory firm, are playing a crucial role in assisting local mines with these upgrades. Zutari brings expertise in geotechnical engineering, hydrology, and dam design, providing critical support in navigating the technical requirements of GISTM compliance. Their work involves everything from initial site investigations and risk assessments to designing sophisticated monitoring systems and implementing stability improvements.
“Meeting GISTM isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about fundamentally changing our approach to tailings management,” explains Sipho Dlamini, a project manager at a local Greenside mine, who wished to remain anonymous due to company policy. “It requires a deep understanding of the geology, hydrology, and seismic activity of the area, and then translating that into resilient, long-term solutions. It’s a massive undertaking, but absolutely essential for the safety of our workforce and the surrounding communities.”
The pressure on local mines is not just regulatory. The community, through forums like the Greenside Environmental Forum, is actively engaged in monitoring progress and advocating for transparency. “We want to see concrete action, not just promises,” adds Mkhize. “Regular, understandable updates on the status of these upgrades are vital for building trust.”
For those seeking more information on the intricate world of tailings engineering and the firms leading this charge, resources like tailingsengineering.co.za serve as valuable directories, connecting stakeholders with expert consultants and the latest industry insights. As Greenside’s mines work towards these critical deadlines, the collective effort to ensure the highest standards of safety for our environment and our community remains paramount.